2009-2022 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep 300, Challenger, Charger 5.7L V8 16V OHV W/MDS
• Engine Family Name: Chrysler “Gen III” HEMI Classic
 
🔥 Purpose & Identity
The Red Line Vortex Dominator 226 was built for one purpose — control the street.
This grind is designed for the modern 5.7L HEMI owner who wants the sound, torque, and throttle authority of a true performance cam, without giving up drivability.
It’s the perfect midrange street/strip cam: crisp off-idle torque, razor-sharp throttle response, and a deep, deliberate idle that hits hard when you roll into it.
The Dominator name says it all — commanding presence, relentless pull, and complete control.
 
⚙️ Camshaft Specifications
Engine Fitment: Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep 5.7L HEMI V8 (2009–2022)
Fitment Note: For VVT-equipped engines only; not for early non-VVT applications
Camshaft Type: Hydraulic Roller
Duration @ .050" – 226° Intake / 226° Exhaust
Advertised Duration: ~284°
Lobe Lift: .334"
Valve Lift (1.65 Rockers): .551"
Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): 110°, 112°, 114°
Standard LSA: 114° (Installed 4° advanced → 110° ICL)
RPM Range: 1,800 – 6,200 rpm
Idle Character: Deep, clean tone on 114°, aggressive chop on 110°
 
📊 Valve Timing Events @ .050" (Cam Installed 4° Advanced)
LSA 110° (ICL 106° / ECL 114°)
Intake Opens 5° BTDC • Intake Closes 41° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 47° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 6°
 
LSA 112° (ICL 108° / ECL 116°)
Intake Opens 3° BTDC • Intake Closes 43° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 49° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° ATDC • Overlap ≈ 4°
 
LSA 114° (ICL 110° / ECL 118°) (Standard)
Intake Opens 1° BTDC • Intake Closes 45° ABDC • Exhaust Opens 51° BBDC • Exhaust Closes 1° BTDC • Overlap ≈ 0°
 
⚖️ LSA Power & Idle Characteristics
110° LSA:
Raw and aggressive. Sharp throttle, heavy lope, and explosive torque — for street/strip cars that demand attention.
112° LSA:
Perfect blend of power and manners. Strong midrange, moderate lope, great response — ideal for performance daily drivers.
114° LSA (Standard):
Smooth, broad torque curve with clean idle tone and excellent vacuum. Perfect for heavy cars, automatics, or those who want controlled aggression.
 
🏁 Performance Behavior
The Vortex Dominator 226 brings the HEMI to life — more torque, harder pull, and the sound every Mopar deserves.
Expect brutal midrange response, quick acceleration, and a deep, hammering idle that’s unmistakably cammed.
This grind thrives with headers, intake work, and proper tuning — typically producing 40–55 rear-wheel horsepower gains with a solid torque boost across the entire band.
It’s the go-to choice for daily-drivable power that still dominates the weekend track.
 
⚙️ Required Components & Installation Notes
This camshaft requires the following for proper installation and operation:
Custom ECU tuning (mandatory)
MDS delete (non-MDS lifters required)
Phaser Limiter Kit (CCA-5761) or Phaser Lock Kit (CCA-5760)
Upgraded valve springs and hardened pushrods
Degreeing required (Install 4° advanced = 110° ICL)
⚠️ Do not attempt installation without limiter/lockout. Failure to disable MDS or degree cam correctly can cause phasing issues or piston-to-valve interference.
 
🎯 Recommended Applications & Build Setup
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 – 10.8:1
Induction: Stock or ported intake; 85–95mm throttle body recommended
Exhaust: Long-tube headers or high-flow midpipe
Gearing: 3.23 – 3.92 rear gears
Converter / Clutch:
Automatic: 2,400 – 2,800 rpm stall converter
Manual: High-performance clutch rated ≥ 550 lb-ft
🔧 Valvetrain & Component Recommendations
Valve Springs: COMP PAC-1219 or equivalent
Seat ≈ 135 lb @ 1.800"
Open ≈ 350 lb @ .570"
Coil Bind Height ≈ 1.090" (maintain ≥ .060" clearance)
Retainers & Locks: Steel or titanium retainers with 7° locks
Pushrods: 5/16" hardened chromoly (+0.050" typical)
Lifters: Non-MDS hydraulic roller lifters only
Rocker Arms: Stock 1.65:1 or trunnion-upgraded sets
Timing Set: Billet adjustable timing set (recommended for degreeing)
Valve Seals: Positive Viton-style seals
 
🧠 Installation & Tuning Notes
Disable MDS in ECU tuning.
Install phaser limiter/lockout before degreeing.
Verify piston-to-valve clearance, especially with milled heads.
Use high-ZDDP break-in oil.
Tune for 750–850 rpm idle and proper cam phasing for VVT systems.
 
💡 Why Choose the 226 Dominator
The Vortex Dominator 226 sits at the heart of your HEMI upgrade path — refined enough to daily drive, aggressive enough to embarrass the unprepared.
It’s the cam that brings discipline to chaos — torque everywhere, a tone that commands attention, and performance that flat-out dominates.
If the 218 Torquer was built to wake the beast, the 226 Dominator is built to control it.
 
🏆 The Red Line Cams Advantage
Red Line Cams brings over 35 years of real-world camshaft design and engine-building experience.
Every camshaft is precision-ground from OEM-quality cam cores, inspected for accuracy, balance, and durability — because we build cams for racers, not parts counters.